The Eurocopter Tiger attack
helicopter was co-developed by France and Germany. It is known as the
Tiger in Germany, and Tiger in France and Spain. Helicopters delivered
to the German and French forces vary in their armament and mission
purpose. Germany uses the UHT anti-tank helicopter version, while France
operates HAC anti-tank and HAP combat support versions.

The Eurocopter Tiger made
it's maiden flight back in 1991, while the first production helicopters
were built in 2002. France ordered 70 Eurocopter Tiger HAP combat
support helicopters and 10 HAC anti-armor variants. Germany ordered 80
UHT support helicopters.

The Eurocopter Tiger is has a
conventional gunship helicopter layout, with two crew members sitting
one behind another. Unlike the most combat helicopters pilot sits in the
front, while the gunner takes the back seat.

The HAP combat support
version has been designed especially for the French armed forces. It is
intended for a close-range infantry support and has a limited air-to-air
combat capability. The Tigre HAP is armed with a 30-mm cannon, unguided
rocket pods and Mistral air-to-air missiles.

The French HAD version has
many in common with the HAP, but uses an uprated engines and has a
better ballistic protection. It can carry Trigat anti-tank
fire-and-forget missiles.

The UHT, developed for the
German Army, is a multi-role fire support helicopter. It carries Trigat
or HOT anti-tank missiles, as well as the unguided rocket pods. The UHT
may also carry up to four AIM 92 Stinger missiles for a close range air
defense. This helicopter lacks the chin-mounted cannon, however can be
fitted with a 12.7-mm podded machine guns. This version also uses more
advanced search and tracking devices, than the French model.

One more version of the
Eurocopter Tiger helicopter is operated by the Australian Army.
Designated as the ARH or Armed Reconnaissance helicopter and based on
the French HAP design.

All Tiger/Tigre helicopters
are fitted with missile approach warning systems and decoy launchers.